Trans Fat Ban: Civil Society Urges Pakistan to Eliminate Harmful Oils

ISLAMABAD: Civil society organisations have urged the government to ban partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), a major source of industrially produced trans fats, from Pakistan’s food supply, warning that unhealthy food ingredients are contributing to the country’s growing public health challenges.

The demand comes ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, as health advocates push for stronger food regulations, mandatory warning labels and policies that make healthier dietary choices more accessible.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 35 million adults in Pakistan were living with diabetes in 2025, placing the country among those with the highest prevalence rates globally.

Without effective policy interventions, the number could reach 70 million by 2050. The annual cost of managing diabetes in Pakistan already exceeds $2.6 billion.

Munawar Hussain, a senior health and nutrition policy expert, said addressing the crisis required action beyond healthcare services, including reforms to the food environment that influences everyday dietary choices.

He called for evidence-based policies to reduce excessive salt, sugar, saturated fats, industrial trans fats and other ingredients associated with public health risks.

The TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign, led by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA), is supported by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, PANAH, Heartfile and other civil society organisations.

Pakistan National Heart Association Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman called for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels to help consumers identify excessive levels of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in processed foods.

He said the labels should be clear, easy to understand and based on independent scientific evidence.

Heartfile Chief Executive Officer Dr Saba Amjad said consumers could not be expected to take full responsibility for preventing diabetes while unhealthy products remained widely available.

PYCA Executive Director Areebah Shahid also called for transparent food regulations and safeguards against conflicts of interest, emphasising that commercial considerations should not take precedence over public health.

The organisations stressed that eliminating partially hydrogenated oils and strengthening food standards were essential steps towards reducing preventable diseases and protecting future generations.